How to Maintain Your Home Appliances Properly

We still take our appliances for granted because we still cannot realize how big a role they play in our lives. Only when a fridge or a washer dies, then we realize how hard it is to store food or wash the clothes. That is why we should do our best to keep our appliances in their best condition.

Freezers

Freezers keep our food frozen solid and usually can last for a long time with a little maintenance. The only thing you should do once in a while is de-ice the freezer. To do so, empty the freezer and unplug it or turn up its thermostat so the ice would melt. After it is melted, collect and wipe the water and your freezer is as good as new. Also, the frost-free freezers usually have a drain pan, which could be a target of mold. If that is your concern, take out the pan and clean it from time to time with bleach and water.

Stoves and Ovens

Stoves and ovens usually last for a long time, the only thing that could be a problem is cleaning them. You should regularly clean the oven with some baking soda and vinegar. If you neglect it and lots food gets spilled and burned in there, then you will have to use some harsh cleaners. Also, the top of the stove should always be wiped off any food so it would not burn. Regularly check the surface elements for any damages or buckling and make sure to schedule routine stove repairs and checkups. This way you will prevent any major damages that can cost you a new stove.

Microwaves

If you use your microwave often, you should clean it regularly. You may not notice, but the food particles will be left there, and with every use the microwave keeps heating those particles making them hard as a rock. And as much as those pieces and particles of food are heated, they increase the chance of the top and sides of the appliance getting burnt. To avoid this, you simply have to clean the inside of the microwave with a glass cleaner.

Dishwashers

Even though dishwasher needs little maintenance, there are some things you can do to ensure they last long. First of all, before putting the dishes in, make sure to clean any food off them. If you leave the food, the bits can get stuck in crevices, gum up the moving parts and bacteria will form inside the washer. Also, once or twice a year remove calcium buildup with a special cleaning product. If you do not do that, the calcium deposits will clog the washer’s sprayer arm and it would not clean properly. Lastly, make sure to use the washer frequently. On the inside, it has small seals that need to be wet all the time so they would not break. If you know you will not use the washer for several days or weeks, make sure to put some mineral oil and water at the bottom and keep the seals moisturized.

Washing Machines

The only things to keep an eye on with washing machines are leaks. Even though leaks are not so frequent, they can be really messy, especially if the machine is on the upper floor of the house. Those troublesome leaks usually occur where the water lines are attached to the washer. So, to prevent them, make sure to use braided steel lines and avoid over-tightening them. Also, you can experience wearing out of some smaller plastic parts, but those can easily be replaced. Other precautions you can take are avoiding adding excess detergent and overfilling the washer with cloths.

Yes, all of these are built to last, but they are not as durable as they were 30 years ago. That is why you should take good care of your appliances so you would not end up in an inconvenient situation because of some malfunctions.